How to Measure for a Dishwasher Installation

Not all dishwashers are built to the same specifications; they can vary in width, depth and height. While most dishwashers measure 24 inches wide, you can find some with width measurements anywhere from 18 to 42 inches. The heights of dishwashers can vary from 32 to 36 1/2 inches, and depths vary from 22 to 25 inches. Before shopping for a dishwasher that best suits you and your family’s needs, take a few measurements to ensure the dishwasher you choose to will fit in the installation site between the cabinets and beneath the countertop.

1

Place a metal tape measure at the right side of your cabinet opening. Stretch the tape measure across to the left side of the cabinet opening. Note the width measurement across the bottom of the opening next to the floor, the width at the top of the opening beneath the countertop and the width halfway between the top and the bottom of the opening.

2

Measure the height of the opening by placing the tip of the tape measure against the floor next to the right side of the opening. Stretch the tape measure to the top of the opening beneath the countertop. Measure the height of the opening on the left side of the opening. Measure the height of the opening halfway between the left and the right side of the cabinet. Note the three measurements.

3

Stretch the tape measure out until it touches the back wall of the cabinet opening. Note the depth measurement along the floor at the bottom right of the opening, the bottom left of the opening, the top right of the opening and the top left of the opening. Note all four measurements.

4

Choose the smallest of each dimension measurement to ensure the dishwasher you choose to install fits the cabinet opening.

Things You Will Need

About the Author

Cecilia Harsch has been writing professionally since 2009. She writes mainly home improvement, health and travel articles for various online publications. She has several years of experience in the home-improvement industry, focusing on gardening, and a background in group exercise instruction. Harsch received her Certified Nurses Assistant license in 2004. She attended Tarrant County College and studied English composition.